Most anticipated albums of 2016: Hip-hop

Last year, hip-hop gave us albums from Drake, Future, Diddy, Rick Ross and of course, Kendrick Lamar. Some were surprises (“If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late”); others we waited on like Christmas (Future’s “DS2”). While we saw a few standout moments from artists like Kanye West and TI in 2015, the year didn’t yield the full-length projects we expected from those rap stars. Even Drake’s surprise mixtape/album came when we thought we were getting his massively anticipated “Views From the 6.”

With the new year, a whole slew of rap music is set to rile the masses. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the albums slated to come out in 2016 that we’re most excited about in the genre.

10) TI, TBA
Release Date: TBA

TI released a bit of a preamble to whatever full-length project will see the light of day ins 2016 with “Da Nic.” The short mixtape was impressive for what it was, made mainly of songs too good to leave on the cutting room floor but not good enough to make an album. Like old times, TI was back on his drug talk and swagger on “Da Nic.” Look for him to make some waves with a new album this year.

9) Iggy Azalea, “Digital Distortion”
Release Date: TBA

Iggy Azalea is a perfect example of when thinking you’re keeping it real goes terribly wrong. She’s fought publicly with TI, who was her biggest champion, and has largely been dismissed from conversations on true hip-hop talent. “The New Classic” catapulted her to contrived stardom and a world of criticism and harsh critique. Since then, Iggy’s given her public profile a break in order to work on “Digital Distortion,” an album that’s meant to restore some authenticity to the Aussie. We’ll see.

8) Gwen Stefani, TBA
Release Date: TBA

Gwen Stefani is like the big sister most girls want. She gives good advice but keeps her secrets close until it’s time for a big reveal. While most are concerned with whom she’s dating, the masses are ready for that distinct voice paired with the lyrics that have always seemed to tell each of our stories as much as her own.

7) D’Angelo, TBA
Release Date: TBA

When D’Angelo released “Black Messiah” in 2014 the masses rejoiced after more than a decade of his musical absence. When he revealed late in 2015 that he was writing a companion piece to “Black Messiah” it seemed almost too good to be true. He’s been touring with his band “The Vanguard” all over the world and presumably writing, too, so it’s likely we’ll hear new music from R&B’s savior this year.

6) Lil Wayne, “Tha Carter V”
Release Date: TBA

Lil Wayne has been forced to release two “practice” albums ahead of “Tha Carter V,” a franchise he’s turned into a cult following with its storyline. We don’t know what’s happening with Cash Money Records and the release of Weezy’s new music, but the fans are certainly willing to wait for new music from Wayne in if he can recapture some of his old magic with “Tha Carter V.” Free Weezy.

5) Meek Mill, “Dream Chasers 4”
Release Date: TBA

Meek Mill had a rough 2015. When it came to rap beef, he tried and failed to take on everyone’s hip-hop sweetheart, Drake. Then, “Back 2 Back” and “Charged Up” came, ostensibly putting an end to Meek Mill. Right? Not so fast. The Philly rapper’s been putting pen to pad in the meantime, and is rumored to have remixed “Back 2 Back” for “Dream Chasers 4,” his upcoming 2016 album. If Meek Mill’s starting his engine, we’ll all be paying attention.

4) Rihanna, “ANTI”
Release Date: TBA

Rihanna does what she wants, when she wants. When she’s not selling-out magazines with her face on the cover and enjoying her status as a fashion darling, she’s been working on “ANTI,” the latest in her pop repertoire. We’re expecting this one to be a surprise, and the guaranteed talk of the town for weeks in 2016.

3) Kanye West, “Swish” / “So Help Me God”
Release Date: TBA

Kanye West has been teasing new music since “Yeezus.” On New Year’s Day, he released “Facts” as an appetizer. The song details Yeezy’s major beef with Nike, a conversation that’s not surprising since Kanye’s foray into the fashion world has been lukewarm at best. “Swish” or “So Help Me God,” depending on what he titles it, is creating a rap fervor we haven’t experienced since his sophomore release. He’s set a high bar for himself, but if anyone can put-Kanye Kanye, it’s Kanye.

2) Drake, “Views From the 6”
Release Date: TBA

Drake’s been working on “Views From the 6” while selling out arenas, dropping collaborative projects with Future and continuing a steady climb to the top of the rap game. “Views From the 6” is easily the most anticipated release from the Toronto star since he stepped in the game. We can’t wait to see how he outdoes himself once more.

1) Frank Ocean, “Boys Don’t Cry”
Release Date: TBA

If you scroll around social media on any given day it’s easy to find someone lamenting the long-awaited release of Frank Oceans’ new album. He promised it back in July of 2015, but we’ve yet to hear any new sounds from the crooner. Don’t be surprised if the Internet does indeed crash when he finally releases this insanely anticipated project. Bring it on, Frank.